By McKenzieDriftBoat.com
Kansas Driftboat takes 1st Float
What a long winter! My drift boat was finished in late Nov.2009. Weather and health delayed launch until last Sunday of March. Computer down also for a month so was missing the site too. Almost 2 years ago I started the build, May 2008. Still having issues with time and access to the Arkansas river around Wichita ,but weather getting better and my wife thought would be best to put in at a small lake to christen and test. Went well, though the wind was around 20 mph, we took turns rowing for a couple of hours. Am out of shape and want moving water, not wind moving water! My oars are some what heavy and perhaps 6" too long. Started with 10 footers, as one of you said, can be cut to what feels better later. Seems to maneuver very well. I just don't know what I am doing. My wife is wise suggesting the lake first. Had to christen with water for now no alcohol allowed at the dock. Want to thank everyone for their suggestions, comments and encouragement from the site. Wish the pictures were more scenic but we finally made water. No leaks and acquired a few scratches reloading. Thanks Steve (Pictures got placed in wifes colorado trip computer file)
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Moms Colorado Trip 457.jpg, 2.3 MB -
Moms Colorado Trip 455.jpg, 2 MB
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Moms Colorado Trip 465.jpg, 2.5 MB
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Paul Smith on -
Congratulations, Great looking boat. I am 100 miles east of you and can come over and spell you off the oars a while.
Paul Humboldt,KS
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Permalink Reply by Greg Hatten on -
Yeh!! Way to go Steve. Great looking boat - particularly like what you did with the two-toned "dash-board". I'm sure the wind was a challenge - makes rowing a driftboat very tedious.
Good job.
GH
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Permalink Reply by Rick Newman on
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Good job Steve. I have folowed your progress and am glad to see your boat hit the water! And be hit with water for the christening!
Rick Newman
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Permalink Reply by Dave Z on -
Very nice. Its always a memorable moment to get the first boat on the water.
daveZ
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Permalink Reply by Scott Hepler on -
Congratulations Steve, Your boat looks great. I know what you mean about it has been a long winter. I am in KC and couldn't work on my boat for 2 month, I just couldn't keep the garage warm without breaking the bank.
Maybe us midwesterner wooden boat people can meet up on a river sometime. The white below Bull Shoals would be an easy place.
Scott
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Permalink Reply by Steve Sobba on -
I would like that. thanks again for congrats from all of you. Steve
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Permalink Reply by AJ DeRosa on -
Nice work Steve. You have created a beauty that will last a lifetime. Your oars are only heavy because a 10'er is probably a foot too long. We are happy with 9'ers on our 17'x54"ers and some even like 8 1/2's for this size boat. A balanced oar won't feel heavy. Start trimming back til you find the balance point that works for you. Try different sizes if you can and you will be amazed when everything fits just right. Jackson Hole is not so far away. Our show and rowing clinic will be on Memorial Day weekend. We'd love to see you there. We have lot's of oars for you to try out.
AJ
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Permalink Reply by Steve Sobba on
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Thanks for the invite, will see what schedule is thanks for the advise on the oars also
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Permalink Reply by Jason Knight on -
Sweet job Steve! makes it all worth it one you see it float.
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Permalink Reply by Jesse Ronnow on -
Steve,
Great looking boat. I echo some of the statements below about your first boat on the water. You should drag that beauty out west for one of the Wood Boat Shows.
JDR
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